MWSU headed to&nbsp;Texarkana, AR for Live United Bowl on December 2nd

After finishing the 2023 regular season 8-3 and just missing out on the playoffs, the Missouri Western Griffons accepted a bid to play in the Live United Bowl on December 2nd against Southern Arkansas.&nbsp; In case you missed it, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/6b154bfd-aceb-4d9f-8beb-d31f54c3b823">read our full story HERE</a>.

Thicker Kicker knocks through game winning field goal to beat Florida

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Mevis kicked a 30-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, and Brady Cook completed 20 of 34 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown to help No. 11 Missouri rally past Florida 33-31 on Saturday night.

Cody Schrader carried the ball 23 times for 148 yards and a touchdown, Luther Burden III caught nine passes for 158 yards, and Mevis converted all four of his field goal attempts as Missouri (9-2, 5-2 SEC, No. 9 CFP) narrowly avoided losing to an unranked opponent for the first time this season.

Montrell Johnson Jr. had 12 carries for 85 yards and Trevor Etienne ran 15 times for 82 yards and a touchdown as Florida (5-6, 3-5 SEC) gained 261 yards on 40 carries.

Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz completed 14 of 21 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns with an interception before exiting with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter. Mertz left the field holding his collarbone after handing off to Johnson. Mertz appeared to hurt himself initiating contact with Missouri defenders Tre’Vez Johnson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on the previous play.

Redshirt freshman Max Brown completed four of five passes for 56 yards in relief of Mertz and gained 42 yards on seven carries.

Trey Smack kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:35 remaining to give Florida a 31-30 lead.

Etienne scored his second touchdown of the game on a nine-yard run with 7:49 left to cut Missouri’s lead to 30-28.

Missouri went up 30-21 with 13:14 to go when Wease hauled in a 77-yard touchdown pass from Cook two plays after Kristian Williams recovered a fumble by Brown as he attempted to hand off to Montrell Johnson Jr. at the Missouri 19-yard line.

Burden hauled in a 48-yard reception from Cook with a seven-yard roughing-the-passer penalty tacked on, but Florida’s defense held in the red zone for the third time as Mevis kicked a 25-yard field goal to give Missouri a 23-21 lead with 3:53 remaining in the third quarter.

Florida pulled ahead 21-20 when Ricky Piersall scored on an end around from 38 yards out.

Cook scored from inside Florida’s 1-yard line with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter to put Missouri back on top 20-14.

Etienne pulled in a 37-yard touchdown reception with 11:54 to play in the third to push Florida ahead 14-13.

Mevis connected on a 38-yard field goal with 1:49 left in the first half to expand Missouri’s lead to 13-10.

Missouri pulled ahead 10-7 after Schrader ran unimpeded for 43 yards into the end zone on the Tigers’ second play of the second quarter.

Mertz connected with Eugene Wilson III on a 9-yard touchdown pass to put Florida up 7-3 with 7:49 remaining in the first quarter.

&nbsp;The Tigers struggled at times defensively without senior linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper but leaned on Schrader until Cook started finding his groove in the passing game.

Missouri could move into the AP Top 10 but will be hard-pressed to move up from ninth in the College Football Playoff ranking.

Missouri plays at Arkansas on Friday to wrap up the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 3pm and the game will be aired on CBS.

Kansas State rallies from deficit to get Sunflower Showdown win

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State celebrated on the Jayhawk logo at midfield inside Memorial Stadium one more time Saturday night, shortly after the Wildcats extended their Sunshine Showdown winning streak to 15 straight in the final game before the 102-year-old home of rival Kansas begins a massive renovation.

Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for the go-ahead score, and the No. 23 Wildcats capitalized on two special teams blunders, allowing them to overcome an 11-point second-half deficit and escape with a 31-27 victory.

“Resolve. Toughness. Battling for your brothers,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That was a good football team we beat in a really good environment. We knew we were going to get their best shot and I think we did.”

D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing and a score for the reigning Big 12 champs, who kept alive their chances of defending the title in part by turning a blocked extra point into a 2-point return and a muffed punt into the go-ahead TD with 10:22 to go.

The Wildcats (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, No. 21 CFP) allowed Kansas (7-4, 4-4 Big 12, No. 25) to march right back down the field, led by former walk-on Cole Ballard at quarterback. But the Jayhawks' drive stalled at the Kansas State 11, and Ballard was picked off in the end zone by Marques Sigle on fourth down to turn the ball over with just more than five minutes left.

Howard and Giddens picked up first downs from there to keep the clock running, and Howard hit Phillip Brooks on third-and-7 with about two minutes to go — the catch near the sideline stood after a review — to wrap up the victory.

“This means a lot being from Kansas," Giddens said long afterward.

Ballard had 162 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Jayhawks. Devin Neal, who took plenty of direct snaps to take pressure off the freshman QB, finished with 138 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

“Proud of our guys for battling,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “We had some opportunities that we left out there: turned the ball over, had a chance to get a bigger lead and didn't make it happen. Can't do that against ranked football teams.”

The latest edition of the fourth-longest played series in the FBS started like many of the previous 14: Kansas State hit on a couple of deep throws, then Howard found Ben Sinnott in the back of the end zone just over a minute into the game.

But that all-too-familiar blowout script quickly went in another direction.

Ballard, starting in place of the injured Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean, led three long touchdown drives that soaked up the first-half clock and kept the Wildcats off the field. Neal finished the first when he slipped out of VJ Payne's tackle and ran 36 yards, then the second with a nine-yard run, before Ballard hit Lawrence Arnold just before halftime for a 20-16 lead.

The lead should have been larger, but the Jayhawks had an extra point blocked by Nate Matlack. The deflection was caught by receiver-turned-cornerback Keenan Garber, who returned it 91 yards for the 2-point conversion.

“That really changed the game,” Klieman said.

Kansas opened the second half with Ballard hitting Mason Fairchild for 59 yards and Neal adding his third TD run two plays later. But the Wildcats answered with a long drive of their own, twice converting on third down, opening a lane for Giddens to get into the end zone, and converting the 2-point try to get within 27-24 heading to the fourth quarter.

That's when the Jayhawks' Trevor Wilson fumbled a punt that he was trying to catch on a dead run. The Wildcats took over near midfield, converted a crucial third down and then opened a lane for Howard for the go-ahead score.

Sigle's interception in the end zone and some tough running by Giddens and Howard put the game away.

“There's no words to describe this,” said Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, a likely first-round pick in next year's NFL draft. “That's a really good team and to finish it off the way we did is just a spectacular feeling.”

Kansas State simply found a way to win, and that's all that matters with a spot in the Big 12 title game up for grabs. Texas leads at 7-1 in conference play heading into the final weekend with the Wildcats, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State one game back.

Leipold has said repeatedly that his team needs to play the Wildcats tough to turn the Sunflower Showdown into a rivalry again. The Jayhawks did that Saturday night despite playing a former walk-on at quarterback.

Kansas State wraps its regular season on Saturday against Iowa State.&nbsp; Kickoff time and where the game will air is to be determined.

Kansas visits Cincinnati next Saturday to finish the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff time is still to be determined but the game will air on ESPN2.

Huskers tie game at end of regulation, fall in OT to Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin first-year coach Luke Fickell said he didn’t expect Braelon Allen to play against Nebraska on Saturday night. But the standout running back came up with big runs when they were needed most.

Allen scored the game-winning touchdown on a 3-yard run in overtime to lift Wisconsin to a 24-17 win against the Cornhuskers.

Nebraska’s Chubba Purdy threw an interception to Preston Zachman to end the game.

Allen ran for two touchdowns and finished with 62 yards rushing on 22 carries for the Badgers (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten), who snapped a three-game losing streak and are bowl eligible for the 22nd straight season. Only Georgia and Oklahoma have longer active bowl streaks.

Allen suffered a lower left leg injury in the Badgers’ loss to then-No. 3 Ohio State on Oct. 28.

“It’s been hard on us because you get emotionally tied — all of a sudden he’s in there and then he’s not,” Fickell said. “I just thought I can’t have that tonight.” Allen sat out a few series to start the game on Saturday, but Fickell said Allen really wanted to play.

“He was kind of chomping at the bit to push us to get him in the ballgame,” Fickell said. “That makes me proud of what he did. You know, he didn’t feel perfect.”

Nebraska (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) scored on their fourth play of the game on Purdy’s 55-yard touchdown run. Purdy extended the lead to 14-0 with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Lloyd with 6:01 left in the first quarter.

Purdy, the younger brother of San Francisco 49er quarterback Brock Purdy, got his first start of the season and finished 15-of-23 passing for 169 yards and with 105 yards rushing on 14 carries.

Tanner Mordecai got things going in the right direction for Wisconsin in the second quarter. Mordecai threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Acker with 6:37 to go in first half to pull the Badgers to 14-7. Nathanial Vakos’ 30-yard field goal made it 14-10.

Besides Allen, Nebraska first-year coach Matt Rhule said Mordecai was a difference maker. “Credit to them, credit to Tanner,” Rhule said. “He made the plays at the end.” Mordecai was 18-of-28 passing for 160 yards in his second game back from a broken right hand.

Rhule said the Huskers couldn't get things done in extra time.

“Got to overtime, just couldn’t get the stop,” Rhule said. And then couldn’t convert one of those plays at the end. Disappointed for our guys, proud of the effort that they did give. A lot of the things that we’ve talked about were significantly improved, but it just wasn’t quite enough in a close ballgame.”

Wisconsin took the lead 17-14 on a 2-yard touchdown run by Allen with 7:47 left in the third quarter. Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano kicked a 30-yard field goal to tie the game at 17-all with 4 seconds left in regulation.

The Huskers have one more opportunity to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. They've lost 10 straight games against Wisconsin and haven't claimed a road game in Madison since 1966.

Nebraska hosts No. 16 Iowa on Friday to finish the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff is scheduled for 11am and the game will be aired on CBS.

By MATT PIKE/APSt. Joseph PostMWSU headed to&nbsp;Texarkana, AR for Live United Bowl on December 2nd<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700074375486.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western head coach Tyler Fenwick (left), Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right) listen in on a conference call Wednesday as the Griffon football team was officially selected to play in the Live United Bowl on Dec. 2. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western head coach Tyler Fenwick (left), Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right) listen in on a conference call Wednesday as the Griffon football team was officially selected to play in the Live United Bowl on Dec. 2. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>After finishing the 2023 regular season 8-3 and just missing out on the playoffs, the Missouri Western Griffons accepted a bid to play in the Live United Bowl on December 2nd against Southern Arkansas.&nbsp; In case you missed it, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/6b154bfd-aceb-4d9f-8beb-d31f54c3b823">read our full story HERE</a>.Thicker Kicker knocks through game winning field goal to beat Florida<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700373803214.jpeg" alt="Missouri place-kicker Harrison Mevis (92) makes a 30-yard field goal with seconds left in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 33-31. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)" />
 <figcaption>Missouri place-kicker Harrison Mevis (92) makes a 30-yard field goal with seconds left in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 33-31. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Harrison Mevis kicked a 30-yard field goal with five seconds remaining, and Brady Cook completed 20 of 34 passes for 326 yards and a touchdown to help No. 11 Missouri rally past Florida 33-31 on Saturday night.Cody Schrader carried the ball 23 times for 148 yards and a touchdown, Luther Burden III caught nine passes for 158 yards, and Mevis converted all four of his field goal attempts as Missouri (9-2, 5-2 SEC, No. 9 CFP) narrowly avoided losing to an unranked opponent for the first time this season.Montrell Johnson Jr. had 12 carries for 85 yards and Trevor Etienne ran 15 times for 82 yards and a touchdown as Florida (5-6, 3-5 SEC) gained 261 yards on 40 carries.Gators starting quarterback Graham Mertz completed 14 of 21 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns with an interception before exiting with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter. Mertz left the field holding his collarbone after handing off to Johnson. Mertz appeared to hurt himself initiating contact with Missouri defenders Tre’Vez Johnson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on the previous play.Redshirt freshman Max Brown completed four of five passes for 56 yards in relief of Mertz and gained 42 yards on seven carries.Trey Smack kicked a 35-yard field goal with 1:35 remaining to give Florida a 31-30 lead.Etienne scored his second touchdown of the game on a nine-yard run with 7:49 left to cut Missouri’s lead to 30-28.Missouri went up 30-21 with 13:14 to go when Wease hauled in a 77-yard touchdown pass from Cook two plays after Kristian Williams recovered a fumble by Brown as he attempted to hand off to Montrell Johnson Jr. at the Missouri 19-yard line.Burden hauled in a 48-yard reception from Cook with a seven-yard roughing-the-passer penalty tacked on, but Florida’s defense held in the red zone for the third time as Mevis kicked a 25-yard field goal to give Missouri a 23-21 lead with 3:53 remaining in the third quarter.Florida pulled ahead 21-20 when Ricky Piersall scored on an end around from 38 yards out.Cook scored from inside Florida’s 1-yard line with 8:53 remaining in the third quarter to put Missouri back on top 20-14.Etienne pulled in a 37-yard touchdown reception with 11:54 to play in the third to push Florida ahead 14-13.Mevis connected on a 38-yard field goal with 1:49 left in the first half to expand Missouri’s lead to 13-10.Missouri pulled ahead 10-7 after Schrader ran unimpeded for 43 yards into the end zone on the Tigers’ second play of the second quarter.Mertz connected with Eugene Wilson III on a 9-yard touchdown pass to put Florida up 7-3 with 7:49 remaining in the first quarter.TAKEAWAY&nbsp;The Tigers struggled at times defensively without senior linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper but leaned on Schrader until Cook started finding his groove in the passing game.POLL IMPLICATIONSMissouri could move into the AP Top 10 but will be hard-pressed to move up from ninth in the College Football Playoff ranking.UP NEXTMissouri plays at Arkansas on Friday to wrap up the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff is at 3pm and the game will be aired on CBS.Kansas State rallies from deficit to get Sunflower Showdown win<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700374132846.jpeg" alt="Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott (34) is chased by Kansas safety Kenny Logan Jr. (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott (34) is chased by Kansas safety Kenny Logan Jr. (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State celebrated on the Jayhawk logo at midfield inside Memorial Stadium one more time Saturday night, shortly after the Wildcats extended their Sunshine Showdown winning streak to 15 straight in the final game before the 102-year-old home of rival Kansas begins a massive renovation.Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for the go-ahead score, and the No. 23 Wildcats capitalized on two special teams blunders, allowing them to overcome an 11-point second-half deficit and escape with a 31-27 victory.“Resolve. Toughness. Battling for your brothers,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “That was a good football team we beat in a really good environment. We knew we were going to get their best shot and I think we did.”D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing and a score for the reigning Big 12 champs, who kept alive their chances of defending the title in part by turning a blocked extra point into a 2-point return and a muffed punt into the go-ahead TD with 10:22 to go.The Wildcats (8-3, 6-2 Big 12, No. 21 CFP) allowed Kansas (7-4, 4-4 Big 12, No. 25) to march right back down the field, led by former walk-on Cole Ballard at quarterback. But the Jayhawks' drive stalled at the Kansas State 11, and Ballard was picked off in the end zone by Marques Sigle on fourth down to turn the ball over with just more than five minutes left.Howard and Giddens picked up first downs from there to keep the clock running, and Howard hit Phillip Brooks on third-and-7 with about two minutes to go — the catch near the sideline stood after a review — to wrap up the victory.“This means a lot being from Kansas," Giddens said long afterward.Ballard had 162 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Jayhawks. Devin Neal, who took plenty of direct snaps to take pressure off the freshman QB, finished with 138 yards rushing and three touchdowns.“Proud of our guys for battling,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said. “We had some opportunities that we left out there: turned the ball over, had a chance to get a bigger lead and didn't make it happen. Can't do that against ranked football teams.”The latest edition of the fourth-longest played series in the FBS started like many of the previous 14: Kansas State hit on a couple of deep throws, then Howard found Ben Sinnott in the back of the end zone just over a minute into the game.But that all-too-familiar blowout script quickly went in another direction.Ballard, starting in place of the injured Jalon Daniels and Jason Bean, led three long touchdown drives that soaked up the first-half clock and kept the Wildcats off the field. Neal finished the first when he slipped out of VJ Payne's tackle and ran 36 yards, then the second with a nine-yard run, before Ballard hit Lawrence Arnold just before halftime for a 20-16 lead.The lead should have been larger, but the Jayhawks had an extra point blocked by Nate Matlack. The deflection was caught by receiver-turned-cornerback Keenan Garber, who returned it 91 yards for the 2-point conversion.“That really changed the game,” Klieman said.Kansas opened the second half with Ballard hitting Mason Fairchild for 59 yards and Neal adding his third TD run two plays later. But the Wildcats answered with a long drive of their own, twice converting on third down, opening a lane for Giddens to get into the end zone, and converting the 2-point try to get within 27-24 heading to the fourth quarter.That's when the Jayhawks' Trevor Wilson fumbled a punt that he was trying to catch on a dead run. The Wildcats took over near midfield, converted a crucial third down and then opened a lane for Howard for the go-ahead score.Sigle's interception in the end zone and some tough running by Giddens and Howard put the game away.“There's no words to describe this,” said Kansas State offensive lineman Cooper Beebe, a likely first-round pick in next year's NFL draft. “That's a really good team and to finish it off the way we did is just a spectacular feeling.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700374365692.jpeg" alt="Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) is chased into the end zone by Kansas State linebacker Austin Moore (41) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) is chased into the end zone by Kansas State linebacker Austin Moore (41) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>THE TAKEAWAYKansas State simply found a way to win, and that's all that matters with a spot in the Big 12 title game up for grabs. Texas leads at 7-1 in conference play heading into the final weekend with the Wildcats, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State one game back.Leipold has said repeatedly that his team needs to play the Wildcats tough to turn the Sunflower Showdown into a rivalry again. The Jayhawks did that Saturday night despite playing a former walk-on at quarterback.UP NEXTKansas State wraps its regular season on Saturday against Iowa State.&nbsp; Kickoff time and where the game will air is to be determined.Kansas visits Cincinnati next Saturday to finish the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff time is still to be determined but the game will air on ESPN2.Huskers tie game at end of regulation, fall in OT to Wisconsin<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700374734966.jpeg" alt="Nebraska's Chubba Purdy (12) runs against Wisconsin's Christian Alliegro during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska's Chubba Purdy (12) runs against Wisconsin's Christian Alliegro during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)</figcaption>
 </figure>MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin first-year coach Luke Fickell said he didn’t expect Braelon Allen to play against Nebraska on Saturday night. But the standout running back came up with big runs when they were needed most.Allen scored the game-winning touchdown on a 3-yard run in overtime to lift Wisconsin to a 24-17 win against the Cornhuskers.Nebraska’s Chubba Purdy threw an interception to Preston Zachman to end the game.Allen ran for two touchdowns and finished with 62 yards rushing on 22 carries for the Badgers (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten), who snapped a three-game losing streak and are bowl eligible for the 22nd straight season. Only Georgia and Oklahoma have longer active bowl streaks.Allen suffered a lower left leg injury in the Badgers’ loss to then-No. 3 Ohio State on Oct. 28.“It’s been hard on us because you get emotionally tied — all of a sudden he’s in there and then he’s not,” Fickell said. “I just thought I can’t have that tonight.” Allen sat out a few series to start the game on Saturday, but Fickell said Allen really wanted to play.“He was kind of chomping at the bit to push us to get him in the ballgame,” Fickell said. “That makes me proud of what he did. You know, he didn’t feel perfect.”Nebraska (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) scored on their fourth play of the game on Purdy’s 55-yard touchdown run. Purdy extended the lead to 14-0 with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Lloyd with 6:01 left in the first quarter.Purdy, the younger brother of San Francisco 49er quarterback Brock Purdy, got his first start of the season and finished 15-of-23 passing for 169 yards and with 105 yards rushing on 14 carries.Tanner Mordecai got things going in the right direction for Wisconsin in the second quarter. Mordecai threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Acker with 6:37 to go in first half to pull the Badgers to 14-7. Nathanial Vakos’ 30-yard field goal made it 14-10.Besides Allen, Nebraska first-year coach Matt Rhule said Mordecai was a difference maker. “Credit to them, credit to Tanner,” Rhule said. “He made the plays at the end.” Mordecai was 18-of-28 passing for 160 yards in his second game back from a broken right hand.Rhule said the Huskers couldn't get things done in extra time.“Got to overtime, just couldn’t get the stop,” Rhule said. And then couldn’t convert one of those plays at the end. Disappointed for our guys, proud of the effort that they did give. A lot of the things that we’ve talked about were significantly improved, but it just wasn’t quite enough in a close ballgame.”Wisconsin took the lead 17-14 on a 2-yard touchdown run by Allen with 7:47 left in the third quarter. Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano kicked a 30-yard field goal to tie the game at 17-all with 4 seconds left in regulation.THE TAKEAWAYThe Huskers have one more opportunity to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. They've lost 10 straight games against Wisconsin and haven't claimed a road game in Madison since 1966.UP NEXTNebraska hosts No. 16 Iowa on Friday to finish the regular season.&nbsp; Kickoff is scheduled for 11am and the game will be aired on CBS.

CFB Roundup: Thicker Kicker gets Tigers the win again, Cats win Sunflower Showdown, Nebraska falls in OT

BOWLING GREEN- A historic run over the last three years for the East Buchanan Bulldogs football team has come to an end. 

The Bulldogs traveled to Bowling Green for the Class 2 State Quarterfinals, falling to the Bobcats 50-22 Saturday afternoon. 

The game started out with a bang as Bowling Green won the coin toss and chose to receive.  East Buchanan Head Coach Dan Ritter sent his kick unit out for an onside kick, but ultimately it was recovered by Bowling Green. 

From there the Bobcats scored two quick touchdowns, one on offense and one on defense.  Senior running back Bleyne Bryant rushed in from four yards out for the first score.  On the following drive, East Buchanan quarterback Gage Busby got hit as he threw, trying to throw the ball to the ground, it was scooped up by a Bobcat defender who took it to the endzone for a pick six. 

On both scores Bowling Green converted two point conversions, putting them up 16-0 late in the first quarter.

The Bobcats scored 22 more unanswered points over the next 11 minutes plus of the first half, eventually pushing the lead to 38-0 late in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs answered near the end of the quarter, running back Trevor Klein gettting the touchdown, and Busby finding reciver Trey Johnson for the two point conversion. 

Down 38-8 at halftime, it was unfamiliar territory for the Bulldogs, who had rarely been down all season. 

"We just got down early and then we kind of got out of what we do, I mean we're usually up, we don't know what we're doing when we're down," Ritter told reporters following the game. 

East Buchanan showed some fight to start the second half though, which Ritter was proud of.  Following a long run by Aidan Hensley, Busby found Johnson again, this time for a touchdown, after converting the two point try East Buchanan trailed 38-16. 

Bowling Green struck again to start the fourth quarter, punching in a touchdown from a yard out, but were unable to convert the two point conversion.  One offensive drive later, the Bobcats got another touchdown, the fourth of the day from Bryant, pushing the lead to 50-16 with just over five minutes left. 

The Bulldogs final score of the game was  thanks to Klein, who fought through five Bobcat defenders for a touchdown.

It was an era to remember for 13 East Buchanan seniors.  Two straight KCI Conference titles, three straight district titles, and back to back Class 1 State Championships in 2021 and 2022.  The Bulldogs also put together a 25 game win streak prior, a school record, prior to the loss.

Ritter says through the negative, its the positive he chooses to focus on.

"I mean these kids have gotten it done the last two years and then into this year, I mean being undefeated up to this point," Ritter says. "I'm so proud of these seniors, there's 13 of them, and each one of those had a big role today in this game and they finished well, and I'm so proud of what they were able to accomplish these past few years."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700365976667.jpeg" alt="Trevor Klein breaks a run off against Bowling Green. Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Trevor Klein breaks a run off against Bowling Green. Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostBOWLING GREEN- A historic run over the last three years for the East Buchanan Bulldogs football team has come to an end. The Bulldogs traveled to Bowling Green for the Class 2 State Quarterfinals, falling to the Bobcats 50-22 Saturday afternoon. The game started out with a bang as Bowling Green won the coin toss and chose to receive. East Buchanan Head Coach Dan Ritter sent his kick unit out for an onside kick, but ultimately it was recovered by Bowling Green. From there the Bobcats scored two quick touchdowns, one on offense and one on defense. Senior running back Bleyne Bryant rushed in from four yards out for the first score. On the following drive, East Buchanan quarterback Gage Busby got hit as he threw, trying to throw the ball to the ground, it was scooped up by a Bobcat defender who took it to the endzone for a pick six. On both scores Bowling Green converted two point conversions, putting them up 16-0 late in the first quarter.The Bobcats scored 22 more unanswered points over the next 11 minutes plus of the first half, eventually pushing the lead to 38-0 late in the second quarter.The Bulldogs answered near the end of the quarter, running back Trevor Klein gettting the touchdown, and Busby finding reciver Trey Johnson for the two point conversion. Down 38-8 at halftime, it was unfamiliar territory for the Bulldogs, who had rarely been down all season. "We just got down early and then we kind of got out of what we do, I mean we're usually up, we don't know what we're doing when we're down," Ritter told reporters following the game. East Buchanan showed some fight to start the second half though, which Ritter was proud of. Following a long run by Aidan Hensley, Busby found Johnson again, this time for a touchdown, after converting the two point try East Buchanan trailed 38-16. Bowling Green struck again to start the fourth quarter, punching in a touchdown from a yard out, but were unable to convert the two point conversion. One offensive drive later, the Bobcats got another touchdown, the fourth of the day from Bryant, pushing the lead to 50-16 with just over five minutes left. The Bulldogs final score of the game was thanks to Klein, who fought through five Bobcat defenders for a touchdown.It was an era to remember for 13 East Buchanan seniors. Two straight KCI Conference titles, three straight district titles, and back to back Class 1 State Championships in 2021 and 2022. The Bulldogs also put together a 25 game win streak prior, a school record, prior to the loss.Ritter says through the negative, its the positive he chooses to focus on."I mean these kids have gotten it done the last two years and then into this year, I mean being undefeated up to this point," Ritter says. "I'm so proud of these seniors, there's 13 of them, and each one of those had a big role today in this game and they finished well, and I'm so proud of what they were able to accomplish these past few years."East Buchanan finishes the season 11-1. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700366034809.jpeg" alt="Aidan Hensley (14) " />
 <figcaption>Aidan Hensley (14) </figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700366089257.jpeg" alt="Trey Johnson (8) hauls in a catch that he would take for a touchdown. Photo courtesy of Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>Trey Johnson (8) hauls in a catch that he would take for a touchdown. Photo courtesy of Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700366058121.jpeg" alt="An East Buchanan defender makes a tackle on Bowling Green quarterback Jace Eskew (8)" />
 <figcaption>An East Buchanan defender makes a tackle on Bowling Green quarterback Jace Eskew (8)</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700366116617.jpeg" alt="East Buchanan's Trevor Klein (20) breaks off a huge kick return in the first half. Photo courtesy of Clifton Grooms" />
 <figcaption>East Buchanan's Trevor Klein (20) breaks off a huge kick return in the first half. Photo courtesy of Clifton Grooms</figcaption>
 </figure>

East Buchanan falls to Bowling Green 50-22 ending historic season

DEARBORN - North Platte scored 36 unanswered points and held Windsor off the board in the second half in a 42-6 win over the Greyhounds in the Class 1 District 3 championship in Dearborn Friday.

North Platte (11-1) has its first district title since 1998.

The Panthers kicked off to start the game, but the opening kick was muffed by Windsor's Chase Hampton and recovered by the Panthers.

Taking over at the Windsor 36-yard line to start the game, North Platte scored just two plays later on a two-yard touchdown run from Liam Servaes.

Windsor (8-4) had the answer early, driving 64 yards on 11 plays to knot the game at 6-6.

North Platte, though, stayed in a groove offensively, scoring touchdowns on each of their next two possessions to go up 20-6 with 11:55 left in the second quarter.

Windsor had trouble getting anything going offensively after they scored on their opening series.

A pair of interceptions on back-to-back drives by Windsor quarterback Reece Heany only helped the Panthers' cause in the first half.

Servaes scored on his third rushing touchdown of the night late in the second quarter, putting North Platte ahead 28-6 at halftime.

The Panthers got the ball to start the second half, but had to punt on their first series coming out of the locker room.

Windsor punted it right back to North Platte on the ensuing drive, and that kick was taken 51 yards to the house by Colton Kirkham, extending the Panthers' lead to 34-6 with 8:32 left in the third.

Just minutes later, Kirkham threw a 42-yard bomb on a touchdown pass to Jaxson Carpenter with 6:27 left in the third, putting the finishing touches on an all around dominant night for North Platte.

Kirkham finished with three all-purpose touchdowns. He had 92 yards passing and 58 yards rushing.

Servaes toted the ball seven times for 26 yards and three scores. Dylan Armstrong finished with 67 all-purpose yards.

Defensively, Windsor committed two turnovers and the Greyhounds were stopped on fourth down on four of their drives. The Panthers also had eight tackles for loss on defense.

Carpenter and Jason Shanks each had INTs for North Platte.

In all, Windsor had nine possessions after their first quarter touchdown, and the Greyhounds were held out of the end zone on all of them.

North Platte has now won nine straight games and they'll stay home next Saturday to host Milan (11-1) in a state semifinal. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Milan beat Hamilton/Penney in quarterfinals Friday, 13-12.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700283485707.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDEARBORN - North Platte scored 36 unanswered points and held Windsor off the board in the second half in a 42-6 win over the Greyhounds in the Class 1 District 3 championship in Dearborn Friday.North Platte (11-1) has its first district title since 1998.The Panthers kicked off to start the game, but the opening kick was muffed by Windsor's Chase Hampton and recovered by the Panthers.Taking over at the Windsor 36-yard line to start the game, North Platte scored just two plays later on a two-yard touchdown run from Liam Servaes.Windsor (8-4) had the answer early, driving 64 yards on 11 plays to knot the game at 6-6.North Platte, though, stayed in a groove offensively, scoring touchdowns on each of their next two possessions to go up 20-6 with 11:55 left in the second quarter.Windsor had trouble getting anything going offensively after they scored on their opening series.A pair of interceptions on back-to-back drives by Windsor quarterback Reece Heany only helped the Panthers' cause in the first half.Servaes scored on his third rushing touchdown of the night late in the second quarter, putting North Platte ahead 28-6 at halftime.The Panthers got the ball to start the second half, but had to punt on their first series coming out of the locker room.Windsor punted it right back to North Platte on the ensuing drive, and that kick was taken 51 yards to the house by Colton Kirkham, extending the Panthers' lead to 34-6 with 8:32 left in the third.Just minutes later, Kirkham threw a 42-yard bomb on a touchdown pass to Jaxson Carpenter with 6:27 left in the third, putting the finishing touches on an all around dominant night for North Platte.Kirkham finished with three all-purpose touchdowns. He had 92 yards passing and 58 yards rushing.Servaes toted the ball seven times for 26 yards and three scores. Dylan Armstrong finished with 67 all-purpose yards.Defensively, Windsor committed two turnovers and the Greyhounds were stopped on fourth down on four of their drives. The Panthers also had eight tackles for loss on defense.Carpenter and Jason Shanks each had INTs for North Platte.In all, Windsor had nine possessions after their first quarter touchdown, and the Greyhounds were held out of the end zone on all of them.North Platte has now won nine straight games and they'll stay home next Saturday to host Milan (11-1) in a state semifinal. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.Milan beat Hamilton/Penney in quarterfinals Friday, 13-12.Jared Quigley interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Jared-Quigley---111723-e2c3dik" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/North-Platte-vs--Windsor---111723-e2c3dgv" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

North Platte blows out Windsor Friday, Panthers take first district title since 1998

The Benton girls' basketball team took first in the girls' basketball city jamboree at the MWSU Fieldhouse Thursday.

The Cardinals, who took second in Class 4 at state last season, won the last game of the night over Lafayette, 19-18. Benton sealed the victory with Emma Loehnig's buzzer beater shot from the baseline.

Benton also beat Bishop LeBlond 19-12 and Central 26-4.

Other scores from Thursday Lafayette 24 Central 8 Lafayette 11 LeBlond 5 LeBlond 12 Central 5

The Irish took second place with two wins. The boys' city jamboree is Friday night at 5:30 at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700198275323.jpeg" alt="Photo by Chris Roush." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Chris Roush.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Benton girls' basketball team took first in the girls' basketball city jamboree at the MWSU Fieldhouse Thursday.The Cardinals, who took second in Class 4 at state last season, won the last game of the night over Lafayette, 19-18. Benton sealed the victory with Emma Loehnig's buzzer beater shot from the baseline.Benton also beat Bishop LeBlond 19-12 and Central 26-4.Other scores from Thursday Lafayette 24 Central 8 Lafayette 11 LeBlond 5 LeBlond 12 Central 5The Irish took second place with two wins. The boys' city jamboree is Friday night at 5:30 at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

Benton girls' basketball wins city jamboree Thursday

The Missouri Western volleyball team lost the first set by two points, but then rattled off the next three in a row to down Washburn, 3-1, in the MIAA Volleyball tournament quarterfinals at Civic Arena in St. Joseph Thursday.

Each set was decided by five points or less, and the Griffons sealed their third win over the Ichabods this season.

"It's exciting," Missouri Western head coach Jessica Fey said. "They played well and they had a lot of tough moments, some close moments. I think early on, those moments didn't swing our way. But, through some experience and having an experienced lineup, they did a really great job of fighting through pressure."

Washburn (17-11) got off to a 4-1 start in set one, but the Griffs rallied to tie it 4-4, eventually leading 12-9.

The Ichabods rallied back, taking a 16-15 lead, prompting a Griffon timeout.

Western had set point in the first at 24-22, but Washburn reeled off a furious rally and took the first set, 28-26.

"We didn't produce a ton offensively the first set," Fey said. "So, I knew we could do better. I knew there was a lot of room for growth. I know our women just need confidence."

"I'm glad we tied (the match) 1-1 and they could relax a little bit."

The Griffons got off to a 5-2 start in the second and eventually led it 8-4. Washburn found its groove offensively and tied the set at 8-8, but Western answered with a 3-0 run to lead set two, 11-8, drawing an Ichabod timeout.

Washburn again rallied, tying the second set at 14-14 and then leading it, 16-15. The Griffons responded with a 3-0 run to take a 19-17 lead, forcing the Ichabods to spend their second timeout.

A big ace serve by Nessa Johnson late in the set helped fuel Western to a 25-21 win in the second. Russell’s 10th kill of the match clinched the second, tying the match at one set apiece.

Set three saw another&nbsp; clean start for Western, as they jumped out to a 4-1 lead. That lead climbed to 8-4, thanks to a couple more kills from&nbsp; Holly Heldt.

Western’s lead grew to 11-6 in the third, and the Griffons maintained that pace down the stregch. Washburn got within two points a couple of times, but Western went on to take the third set, 25-20.

Western hit .308 in the third set and never trailed in the frame.

"Every time you win a set, it just kind of fuels you to go," Fey said. "There was no pressure on us going into the fourth. We were up 2-1, so that feels good. I think we lacked off a little bit there, but not bad."

The fourth set saw yet another great start by the Griffs. Western raced out to a 4-0 lead, and that lead eventually grew to 14-6.

Washburn, though, showed some more fight in the fourth, going on an 8-0 run and tying the set 14-14. Western spent both of their timeouts during that run, and Washburn kept the pressure on, going up 20-18 in the fourth.

Western took the lead late in the fourth, 24-22, thanks to a 5-0 run. Washburn tied it 24-24, but back-to-back kills by Heldt sealed the deal, and Western took the fourth set, 27-25, to clinch a match victory.

Heldt led the way with 23 kills and 36 digs. Taylor Russell hammered home 18 kills on a .421 hit percentage. Johnson doled out 53 assists to go with 15 digs.

The Griffons had 12 total blocks and outhit the Ichabods .213 - .167.

Missouri Western advances to the MIAA tournament semifinals on Friday, where they'll take on No. 1 seed Central Missouri (22-7) at 7:30 p.m. at Civic.

"They're playing really well right now," Fey said of UCM - a team that's swept MWSU twice in the regular season.

"We have to do a great job blocking, defending. (UCM) is one of the top blocking teams in the conference and nation. We've played them twice. We played them horribly the first time, a little better the second time, but it was never really a game. I hope we can go out there, be fearless and give them a little bit better of a game than we have so far."

The Jennies swept Emporia State in three sets on Thursday. UCM has won 10 straight matches overall and 12 straight against the Griffons.

Other MIAA volleyball tournament scores from Thursday

No. 3 Nebraska-Kearney 3 No. 6 Northwest Missouri State 0 - FINAL

No. 7 Missouri Southern 3 No. 2 Central Oklahoma 1 - FINAL

Kearney and Southern play in the first semifinal on Friday at Civic at 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700196045412.jpeg" alt="Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western volleyball team lost the first set by two points, but then rattled off the next three in a row to down Washburn, 3-1, in the MIAA Volleyball tournament quarterfinals at Civic Arena in St. Joseph Thursday.Each set was decided by five points or less, and the Griffons sealed their third win over the Ichabods this season."It's exciting," Missouri Western head coach Jessica Fey said. "They played well and they had a lot of tough moments, some close moments. I think early on, those moments didn't swing our way. But, through some experience and having an experienced lineup, they did a really great job of fighting through pressure."Washburn (17-11) got off to a 4-1 start in set one, but the Griffs rallied to tie it 4-4, eventually leading 12-9.The Ichabods rallied back, taking a 16-15 lead, prompting a Griffon timeout.Western had set point in the first at 24-22, but Washburn reeled off a furious rally and took the first set, 28-26."We didn't produce a ton offensively the first set," Fey said. "So, I knew we could do better. I knew there was a lot of room for growth. I know our women just need confidence.""I'm glad we tied (the match) 1-1 and they could relax a little bit."The Griffons got off to a 5-2 start in the second and eventually led it 8-4. Washburn found its groove offensively and tied the set at 8-8, but Western answered with a 3-0 run to lead set two, 11-8, drawing an Ichabod timeout.Washburn again rallied, tying the second set at 14-14 and then leading it, 16-15. The Griffons responded with a 3-0 run to take a 19-17 lead, forcing the Ichabods to spend their second timeout.A big ace serve by Nessa Johnson late in the set helped fuel Western to a 25-21 win in the second. Russell’s 10th kill of the match clinched the second, tying the match at one set apiece.Set three saw another&nbsp; clean start for Western, as they jumped out to a 4-1 lead. That lead climbed to 8-4, thanks to a couple more kills from&nbsp; Holly Heldt.Western’s lead grew to 11-6 in the third, and the Griffons maintained that pace down the stregch. Washburn got within two points a couple of times, but Western went on to take the third set, 25-20.Western hit .308 in the third set and never trailed in the frame."Every time you win a set, it just kind of fuels you to go," Fey said. "There was no pressure on us going into the fourth. We were up 2-1, so that feels good. I think we lacked off a little bit there, but not bad."The fourth set saw yet another great start by the Griffs. Western raced out to a 4-0 lead, and that lead eventually grew to 14-6.Washburn, though, showed some more fight in the fourth, going on an 8-0 run and tying the set 14-14. Western spent both of their timeouts during that run, and Washburn kept the pressure on, going up 20-18 in the fourth.Western took the lead late in the fourth, 24-22, thanks to a 5-0 run. Washburn tied it 24-24, but back-to-back kills by Heldt sealed the deal, and Western took the fourth set, 27-25, to clinch a match victory.Heldt led the way with 23 kills and 36 digs. Taylor Russell hammered home 18 kills on a .421 hit percentage. Johnson doled out 53 assists to go with 15 digs.The Griffons had 12 total blocks and outhit the Ichabods .213 - .167.Missouri Western advances to the MIAA tournament semifinals on Friday, where they'll take on No. 1 seed Central Missouri (22-7) at 7:30 p.m. at Civic."They're playing really well right now," Fey said of UCM - a team that's swept MWSU twice in the regular season."We have to do a great job blocking, defending. (UCM) is one of the top blocking teams in the conference and nation. We've played them twice. We played them horribly the first time, a little better the second time, but it was never really a game. I hope we can go out there, be fearless and give them a little bit better of a game than we have so far."The Jennies swept Emporia State in three sets on Thursday. UCM has won 10 straight matches overall and 12 straight against the Griffons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700196164790.jpeg" alt="Holly Heldt (19) tries to hit a ball past a Washburn defender." />
 <figcaption>Holly Heldt (19) tries to hit a ball past a Washburn defender.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700196190644.jpeg" alt="Photo by A.J. Robbins." />
 <figcaption>Photo by A.J. Robbins.</figcaption>
 </figure>Other MIAA volleyball tournament scores from ThursdayNo. 3 Nebraska-Kearney 3 No. 6 Northwest Missouri State 0 - FINALNo. 7 Missouri Southern 3 No. 2 Central Oklahoma 1 - FINALKearney and Southern play in the first semifinal on Friday at Civic at 5 p.m.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU volleyball tops Washburn in four sets in MIAA quarterfinals Thursday

KANSAS CITY, MO - The Missouri Western men's basketball team used a 14-0 surge in the first half to pull away from Rockhurst, and the Griffons continued to gradually pull away in a 92-76 win at Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse in Kansas City Wednesday.

Missouri Western (3-0) was strong from the field all evening, shooting 63.2 percent overall and 8-of-22 from three. The Griffons also made 12-of-17 shots from the free throw line.

Julius Dixon led five Griffons in double figures with a career-best 22 points. He was 3-of-9 from beyond the arc in the victory.

JaRon Thames was right behind with 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting. Taye Fields and Kiani Saxon turned in 13 points. Saxon did so on a 6-of-6 shooting effort. Zion Swader chipped in 12 points and six assists.

Missouri Western had 19 total assists and scored 23 points off of 13 Rockhurst turnovers.

The Griffons led by as many as 22 points and held Rockhurst to 40.7% shooting overall, including just 5-of-20 from three.

Timaris Brown led Rockhurst with 20 points. The Hawks did outrebound Western 30-29, including 14-7 on the offensive glass. Rockhurst also made 23-of-28 free throw attempts.

Missouri Western stays on the road next Tuesday to face William Jewell. Tip off from the Mabee Center in Liberty is set for 7 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700110136541.jpeg" alt="Taye Fields (13) scored 13 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists in Missouri Western's 92-76 win at Rockhurst Wednesday. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Taye Fields (13) scored 13 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists in Missouri Western's 92-76 win at Rockhurst Wednesday. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostKANSAS CITY, MO - The Missouri Western men's basketball team used a 14-0 surge in the first half to pull away from Rockhurst, and the Griffons continued to gradually pull away in a 92-76 win at Mason-Halpin Fieldhouse in Kansas City Wednesday.Missouri Western (3-0) was strong from the field all evening, shooting 63.2 percent overall and 8-of-22 from three. The Griffons also made 12-of-17 shots from the free throw line.Julius Dixon led five Griffons in double figures with a career-best 22 points. He was 3-of-9 from beyond the arc in the victory.JaRon Thames was right behind with 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting. Taye Fields and Kiani Saxon turned in 13 points. Saxon did so on a 6-of-6 shooting effort. Zion Swader chipped in 12 points and six assists.Missouri Western had 19 total assists and scored 23 points off of 13 Rockhurst turnovers.The Griffons led by as many as 22 points and held Rockhurst to 40.7% shooting overall, including just 5-of-20 from three.Timaris Brown led Rockhurst with 20 points. The Hawks did outrebound Western 30-29, including 14-7 on the offensive glass. Rockhurst also made 23-of-28 free throw attempts.Missouri Western stays on the road next Tuesday to face William Jewell. Tip off from the Mabee Center in Liberty is set for 7 p.m. The game will be on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3).Will Martin postgame<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Will-Martin---Rockhurst-postgame-e2c0fod/a-aak9asm" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/MWSU-MBB-vs--Rockhurst---111523-e2c0fso" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700110624662.jpeg" alt="Julius Dixon (0) scored a career-high 22 points in Missouri Western's 92-76 win at Rockhurst Wednesday. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer." />
 <figcaption>Julius Dixon (0) scored a career-high 22 points in Missouri Western's 92-76 win at Rockhurst Wednesday. Photo by Derek Zimmerman-Guyer.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

MWSU men's basketball scores win at Rockhurst Wednesday

The Missouri Western football team is postseason bound in the first year of the Tyler Fenwick era.

The Griffons were officially selected Wednesday to participate in the Farmers Bank and Trust Live United Bowl in Texarkana, Arkansas.

The game is set for Saturday, December 2 at noon. Missouri Western will play Southern Arkansas (9-2) from the Great American Conference.

"I grew up back in the day when bowl games were big deals," Fenwick said. "For me to be able to take our team and give them that experience and go to a bowl game is a lot of fun to think about."

The Griffons won the Live United Bowl in both 2018 and '19. In fact, Missouri Western beat Southern Arkansas, 30-25, in the 2018 matchup.

Fenwick has been a head coach in three Division II bowl games in his career. He took Missouri S&amp;T to a Mineral Water Bowl victory in 2018.

In 2021, he led the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm to a 37-34 win over Emporia State in the Live United Bowl.

"They really do a great job," Fenwick said of the bowl, which is played at Razorback Stadium in Texarkana. "It's first class, it's very organized, it's a great experience. Honestly, it's a very eye-opening experience with some of the community service stuff that the kids get to experience and go through and help out with."&nbsp;

The Griffons finished the 2023 season with an 8-3 record, just missing out on the Division II playoffs after a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/dd75bf65-08ee-4444-b52b-eff89af1b2cc">47-41 double overtime loss at Missouri Southern</a> this past Saturday.

Despite the tough loss to end the season, Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter is proud to see how far the program has come just 11 months after he hired Fenwick to lead the Griffons.

"The end goal is something greater than (a bowl)," Carter said. "It's not always about football. It's about developing young people to be the best versions of themselves.

"We want to chase a national championship, and to do that, you have to start in places like this. So, I don't know what my expectations (for Fenwick's staff) were other than culture and they've knocked that out of the park."

Missouri Western has been to 11 bowl games in its history, going 8-3 in those contests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700074375486.jpeg" alt="Missouri Western head coach Tyler Fenwick (left), Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right) listen in on a conference call Wednesday as the Griffon football team was officially selected to play in the Live United Bowl on Dec. 2. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Western head coach Tyler Fenwick (left), Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter (center) and University president Elizabeth Kennedy (right) listen in on a conference call Wednesday as the Griffon football team was officially selected to play in the Live United Bowl on Dec. 2. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Missouri Western football team is postseason bound in the first year of the Tyler Fenwick era.The Griffons were officially selected Wednesday to participate in the Farmers Bank and Trust Live United Bowl in Texarkana, Arkansas.The game is set for Saturday, December 2 at noon. Missouri Western will play Southern Arkansas (9-2) from the Great American Conference."I grew up back in the day when bowl games were big deals," Fenwick said. "For me to be able to take our team and give them that experience and go to a bowl game is a lot of fun to think about."The Griffons won the Live United Bowl in both 2018 and '19. In fact, Missouri Western beat Southern Arkansas, 30-25, in the 2018 matchup.Fenwick has been a head coach in three Division II bowl games in his career. He took Missouri S&amp;T to a Mineral Water Bowl victory in 2018.In 2021, he led the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm to a 37-34 win over Emporia State in the Live United Bowl."They really do a great job," Fenwick said of the bowl, which is played at Razorback Stadium in Texarkana. "It's first class, it's very organized, it's a great experience. Honestly, it's a very eye-opening experience with some of the community service stuff that the kids get to experience and go through and help out with."&nbsp;The Griffons finished the 2023 season with an 8-3 record, just missing out on the Division II playoffs after a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/dd75bf65-08ee-4444-b52b-eff89af1b2cc">47-41 double overtime loss at Missouri Southern</a> this past Saturday.Despite the tough loss to end the season, Missouri Western athletic director Andy Carter is proud to see how far the program has come just 11 months after he hired Fenwick to lead the Griffons."The end goal is something greater than (a bowl)," Carter said. "It's not always about football. It's about developing young people to be the best versions of themselves."We want to chase a national championship, and to do that, you have to start in places like this. So, I don't know what my expectations (for Fenwick's staff) were other than culture and they've knocked that out of the park."Missouri Western has been to 11 bowl games in its history, going 8-3 in those contests.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Missouri Western football selected to play in Live United Bowl vs. Southern Arkansas

Twenty Missouri Western football players received all-MIAA honors Tuesday for their efforts during the 2023 season.

Senior defensive end Dakari Streeter&nbsp;was voted the 2023 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. At 6-2 and 270 pounds, Streeter dominated with a MIAA-leading 12.5 sacks (11 solo, three assisted). He also led the league in tackles for loss (14.0) and yards tackled (91). He's the first MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in Griffon history.

Elsewhere, Missouri Western running back Seth Cromwell&nbsp;was voted MIAA Freshman of the Year. A redshirt freshman from Littleton, Colorado, Cromwell rushed for the second-most rushing touchdowns in the league with 16. In 125 rush attempts, Cromwell rushed for 716 yards on 5.7 yards per carry.

Streeter, senior left tackle Keith Russell and junior kicker Cody Watson all garnered first-team all-MIAA accolades.

Russell was a third-team all-conference selection last season. Watson, meanwhile, led the MIAA in points by a kicker with 94, leading the league with 14 made field goals.

Senior right guard Evan Clark was named second-team all-MIAA. Clark is now a three-time all-MIAA honoree.

Three Griffon defenders earned second-team all-MIAA honors - linebacker Anthony Villanueva, safety TreVon Holmes and defensive linemen C.J. Ravenell.

Ravenell ends his Griffon career having been named an all-MIAA performer four times. He had 11 tackles for loss this year - third most in the conference.

On the offensive side, four Griffons earned third-team honors - running backs Cromwell and Brandon Hall, receiver Jonas Bennett and offensive lineman Brenden McClure.

Bennett, who switched positions from running back to receiver this year, led the Griffons in 2023 with 54 catches for 725 yards and five touchdowns.

McClure was an honorable mention pick last season, while Hall himself was named MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2021.

Defensively, corner Taylor Williams snagged third-team all-conference honors, snagging a team-best four interceptions in 2023. Punter Evan Williams was a third-team honoree on special teams after pinning 13 kicks inside the 20-yard line while averaging 42 yards per punt.

Honorable mention picks for Missouri Western include quarterback Armani Edden, tight end&nbsp;Will Schwartz, center James Lucio, kick and punt returner&nbsp;Jalen Lampley, defensive lineman Brandon Johnson (now a 3x-all MIAA selection), linebacker&nbsp;Kienen Gaskin and safety Brayden Wright.

Missouri Western football ended the 2023 season at 8-3 overall - their best season record since 2019. The Griffons just missed the playoffs, but are expected to announce a bowl game destination this Wednesday morning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699988342994.jpeg" alt="MWSU defensive end Dakari Streeter led the MIAA and was top three nationally in total sacks in 2023 with 12.5. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>MWSU defensive end Dakari Streeter led the MIAA and was top three nationally in total sacks in 2023 with 12.5. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostTwenty Missouri Western football players received all-MIAA honors Tuesday for their efforts during the 2023 season.Senior defensive end Dakari Streeter&nbsp;was voted the 2023 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year. At 6-2 and 270 pounds, Streeter dominated with a MIAA-leading 12.5 sacks (11 solo, three assisted). He also led the league in tackles for loss (14.0) and yards tackled (91). He's the first MIAA Defensive Player of the Year in Griffon history.Elsewhere, Missouri Western running back Seth Cromwell&nbsp;was voted MIAA Freshman of the Year. A redshirt freshman from Littleton, Colorado, Cromwell rushed for the second-most rushing touchdowns in the league with 16. In 125 rush attempts, Cromwell rushed for 716 yards on 5.7 yards per carry.Streeter, senior left tackle Keith Russell and junior kicker Cody Watson all garnered first-team all-MIAA accolades.Russell was a third-team all-conference selection last season. Watson, meanwhile, led the MIAA in points by a kicker with 94, leading the league with 14 made field goals.Senior right guard Evan Clark was named second-team all-MIAA. Clark is now a three-time all-MIAA honoree.Three Griffon defenders earned second-team all-MIAA honors - linebacker Anthony Villanueva, safety TreVon Holmes and defensive linemen C.J. Ravenell.Ravenell ends his Griffon career having been named an all-MIAA performer four times. He had 11 tackles for loss this year - third most in the conference.On the offensive side, four Griffons earned third-team honors - running backs Cromwell and Brandon Hall, receiver Jonas Bennett and offensive lineman Brenden McClure.Bennett, who switched positions from running back to receiver this year, led the Griffons in 2023 with 54 catches for 725 yards and five touchdowns.McClure was an honorable mention pick last season, while Hall himself was named MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2021.Defensively, corner Taylor Williams snagged third-team all-conference honors, snagging a team-best four interceptions in 2023. Punter Evan Williams was a third-team honoree on special teams after pinning 13 kicks inside the 20-yard line while averaging 42 yards per punt.Honorable mention picks for Missouri Western include quarterback Armani Edden, tight end&nbsp;Will Schwartz, center James Lucio, kick and punt returner&nbsp;Jalen Lampley, defensive lineman Brandon Johnson (now a 3x-all MIAA selection), linebacker&nbsp;Kienen Gaskin and safety Brayden Wright.Missouri Western football ended the 2023 season at 8-3 overall - their best season record since 2019. The Griffons just missed the playoffs, but are expected to announce a bowl game destination this Wednesday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699989515601.jpeg" alt="Seth Cromwell (22) rushed for 16 touchdowns in the 2023 season. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Seth Cromwell (22) rushed for 16 touchdowns in the 2023 season. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Cromwell Freshman of the Year, Streeter DPOY highlight Griffon football's MIAA honors

JOPLIN - Missouri Western built a 17-point lead in the first half, and an 18-point lead in the second half.

Only for Missouri Southern to wipe that away late. That, and the Griffons' playoff hopes.

The Lions (5-6, 4-6 MIAA) scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and in overtime, and then scored the walk-off touchdown to beat Missouri Western, 47-41, in double OT at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin Saturday.

Southern, who hadn't beaten Missouri Western since 2012, never had the lead in regulation.

The game was tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, but Missouri Western (8-3, 7-3 MIAA) scored 17 unanswered to go up 24-7 with 3:02 left in the second quarter.

Southern, however, punched in a touchdown with only 13 seconds left before halftime, making it a 24-13 ballgame at the break.

The Lions got the ball to start the second half, and drove 59 yards on 10 plays, but missed a 25-yard field goal.

Meanwhile, the Griffons went up 31-13 on Seth Cromwell's third rushing touchdown of the day with 4:36 left in the third.

Meanwhile, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Henderson State (9-2) just upset Ouachita Baptist, 31-27, in the Battle of the Ravine, handing Super Region Three's No. 6 seed Tigers a loss. It was the help the Griffons needed.

It was all going according to plan. Missouri Southern, however, had other plans.

The Lions marched 68 yards on five plays, scoring a touchdown with three minutes left in the third, cutting the Griffons' lead to 31-20 at the start of the fourth.

Even then, things were looking alright for Western.

The Griffons were driving deep in Lion territory to start the fourth quarter, but a holding penalty stalled the drive. Western settled for a 29-yard field goal from Cody Watson to go up 34-20 with 11:59 remaining.

Time was starting to wane for Missouri Southern, but they kept moving.

The Lions were driving, but Missouri Western's Brayden Wright picked off a pass from MoSo quarterback Luke Sampson, giving the Griffons a first down on their own 42-yard line with seven minutes left.

Three plays later, however, Missoui Western quarterback Armani Edden threw an interception which was returned 53 yards the other way by Southern's Ian McSwain.

MoSo missed a second PAT, and still the Griffons led 34-26 with 6:49 to go.

The Lions got the ball back, down eight, with 4:32 to go, but that drive stalled after a penalty and the Griffons got it back, up eight, with 2:56 remaining.

Missouri Western achieved one first down, but Missouri Southern still had all three timeouts. The Lions called their final timeout with 43 seconds left in regulation.

It was 4th-and-3 for Western at their own 38. Evan Williams shot off a beautiful punt, pinning MoSo on their own 19. With 32 seconds left. And no timeouts.

Luke Sampson didn't blink. The MoSo quarterback went 5-for-5 down the field. 12 yards. Then 17. Then 21. Then 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699802374986.jpeg" alt="Missouri Southern's players celebrated on the field after the Lions stunned Missouri Western 47-41 in double overtime in Joplin Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Missouri Southern's players celebrated on the field after the Lions stunned Missouri Western 47-41 in double overtime in Joplin Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostJOPLIN - Missouri Western built a 17-point lead in the first half, and an 18-point lead in the second half.Only for Missouri Southern to wipe that away late. That, and the Griffons' playoff hopes.The Lions (5-6, 4-6 MIAA) scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and in overtime, and then scored the walk-off touchdown to beat Missouri Western, 47-41, in double OT at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin Saturday.Southern, who hadn't beaten Missouri Western since 2012, never had the lead in regulation.The game was tied 7-7 at the end of the first quarter, but Missouri Western (8-3, 7-3 MIAA) scored 17 unanswered to go up 24-7 with 3:02 left in the second quarter.Southern, however, punched in a touchdown with only 13 seconds left before halftime, making it a 24-13 ballgame at the break.The Lions got the ball to start the second half, and drove 59 yards on 10 plays, but missed a 25-yard field goal.Meanwhile, the Griffons went up 31-13 on Seth Cromwell's third rushing touchdown of the day with 4:36 left in the third.Meanwhile, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Henderson State (9-2) just upset Ouachita Baptist, 31-27, in the Battle of the Ravine, handing Super Region Three's No. 6 seed Tigers a loss. It was the help the Griffons needed.It was all going according to plan. Missouri Southern, however, had other plans.The Lions marched 68 yards on five plays, scoring a touchdown with three minutes left in the third, cutting the Griffons' lead to 31-20 at the start of the fourth.Even then, things were looking alright for Western.The Griffons were driving deep in Lion territory to start the fourth quarter, but a holding penalty stalled the drive. Western settled for a 29-yard field goal from Cody Watson to go up 34-20 with 11:59 remaining.Time was starting to wane for Missouri Southern, but they kept moving.The Lions were driving, but Missouri Western's Brayden Wright picked off a pass from MoSo quarterback Luke Sampson, giving the Griffons a first down on their own 42-yard line with seven minutes left.Three plays later, however, Missoui Western quarterback Armani Edden threw an interception which was returned 53 yards the other way by Southern's Ian McSwain.MoSo missed a second PAT, and still the Griffons led 34-26 with 6:49 to go.The Lions got the ball back, down eight, with 4:32 to go, but that drive stalled after a penalty and the Griffons got it back, up eight, with 2:56 remaining.Missouri Western achieved one first down, but Missouri Southern still had all three timeouts. The Lions called their final timeout with 43 seconds left in regulation.It was 4th-and-3 for Western at their own 38. Evan Williams shot off a beautiful punt, pinning MoSo on their own 19. With 32 seconds left. And no timeouts.Luke Sampson didn't blink. The MoSo quarterback went 5-for-5 down the field. 12 yards. Then 17. Then 21. Then 15.With a first down at the Western 16, and seven seconds left, Sampson rifled a pass down the middle to the end zone, caught by Deontay Campbell. Sampson threw another pass, this one to Ezekiel Lang, for a successful two-point conversion, stunningly tying the game at 34-34 with three seconds left, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.Southern went 81 yards on seven plays in just 29 seconds to tie it.Missouri Western won the coin toss in overtime, and elected to go on defense first. Southern scored a touchdown in just four plays to go up 41-34 - their first lead.After converting on 4th-and-14, Western scored an OT touchdown when Edden found Jake Berrey from 12 yards out. 41-41, headed to the second OT.The Griffons went on offense to start the second OT, and had second-and-goal at the seven. Edden was tackled for a loss of four on second down. On third-and-goal, Edden got hit as he threw, and his pass was intercepted by Nick Kruse.MoSo had to start the next drive at the Western 40, due to an excessive celebration penalty. But for Sampson, that was not an issue.He connected with Jaedon Stoshak on a 36-yard pass, setting up first-and-goal at the four.The Lions scored on the next play to win it, sending Western, in a stunned silence, back to the busses.Missouri Southern outgained Western in total yards in the fourth quarter 141-56, including 136-8 through the air.In the first half, MoSo had only two offensive plays that went for 15 yards or more. After halftime, the Lions had 12 of them. Fourteen total plays of 15-plus yards. Six that went for 20 or more.Sampson went 24-of-36 for 374 yards and four touchdowns. Edden was 16-of-26 for Western for 140 yards, a score and a season-high tying three picks.The Griffons won time of possession 36:53 - 23:07. They were also called on nine penalties for 73 yards.Western's run game worked well, as they outgained the Lions in rushing yards 280-28. The Lions, however, outgained Western through the air 374-140.Cromwell rushed for 170 yards on 32 carries, scoring three times.The Griffons end the regular season at 8-3&nbsp; overall- their best mark since 2019. But, their first loss in Joplin since 2010 will cost them a playoff bid.Missouri Western will, in all likelihood, receive one of the eight bowl bids available for Division II teams. More information will come out on that in the next few days.Tyler Fenwick interview<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Tyler-Fenwick---111223-e2br78r" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>Full audio broadcast<div><iframe src="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kfeq-sports/embed/episodes/Missouri-Western--Missouri-Southern---111123-e2bqrsk/a-aajn4cn" height="102px" width="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699804799304.jpeg" alt="Seth Cromwell (22) tied his career-high with three rushing touchdowns on 32 carries Saturday. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Seth Cromwell (22) tied his career-high with three rushing touchdowns on 32 carries Saturday. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

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